Laverne's official statement from her Tumblr:
When I agreed to participate in a recent Sylvia Rivera Law Project campaign, which involved me reading a letter from a member of their Prisoner Advisory Committee, I was not aware of the charges for which she was convicted. If I had been aware of those charges, I would have never agreed to read the letter.
To everyone who has been a supporter of me and my work, as well as for those who have found inspiration in my story, it is important for me to let you know that I have never, nor would I ever, support abuse or violence against anyone, especially a child like Ebony Nicole Williams. This is something I unequivocally do not support.
My intention was to highlight the horrific conditions many trans people experience during incarceration — to shed a light where often there is only darkness.
http://lavernecox.tumblr.com/post/95567409116/when-i-agreed-to-participate-in-a-recent-sylvia